Germany Condemns Attacks on UNIFIL, Urges Israel and Hezbollah to Protect UN Troops
The German government has strongly condemned the series of attacks targeting United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers. Berlin is urging all conflicting parties, including Israel and Hezbollah, to exercise restraint immediately and guarantee the safety of international personnel in the conflict zone.
This firm condemnation was issued by the German Foreign Ministry following the fatal incident that killed three Indonesian peacekeepers. In addition to lodging a protest, Germany also extended deep condolences to the victims’ families and the Indonesian government.
“We strongly condemn the recent attack on UNIFIL forces in Lebanon, which killed three Indonesian peacekeepers,” stated the official communiqué from the German Foreign Ministry, as quoted by Anadolu on Wednesday (1/4).
According to the official UNIFIL report on Monday (30/3), the three Indonesian personnel perished after their vehicle was destroyed by an explosion of unknown origin. The tragic incident occurred near the town of Bani Hayyan in the Marjeyoun District, southern Lebanon.
The UN peacekeeping mission revealed that this event marks the second deadly incident within just 24 hours. A thorough investigation has been launched to uncover the exact cause and the party responsible for the explosion.
The day before the Bani Hayyan incident, another peacekeeper was reported killed and one injured after a projectile struck their position near the town of Adchit al-Qusayr.
These attacks on UN assets are occurring amid the increasing intensity of Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon. Those operations are claimed to aim at securing the area up to the Litani River.
The situation at the border is becoming increasingly uncertain, raising international concerns about the safety of thousands of UNIFIL personnel serving on the front lines. Germany emphasised that the protection of peacekeepers is a legal obligation under international law that must be upheld by all parties involved in the armed confrontation.